The first ball hit to Chris Owings on Tuesday against the Brewers came right at him, and he committed an outfielder’s cardinal sin. He took his first steps inward.

As the potential double from the Brewers’ Travis Shaw rocketed toward him in center, Owings quickly realized his mistake. He slammed on the brakes, leaped into the air and snagged the line drive for an out. After returning the ball to the infield, he turned to his outfield neighbors and signaled the number of outs in the inning while trying to stifle a sly smile.

It was the first play he’d had to make in center since the 2016 season. Some rust could be forgiven.

“The fact that he recovered and made a play and it was his first play I’m sure made him feel pretty good about the rest of the night,” manager Torey Lovullo said.

Owings’ day only became more eventful. He narrowly missed a diving grab at the warning track that went for a double. Later on, he came through with a...